Published on : 06/30/2026
He's a tough-as-nails rider, the kind who never shies away from repeated efforts or fiercely contested races. At just 23, Michiell Coppens knows the Belgian racing scene inside out. After delivering a string of strong results there throughout the season, he returns to Cofidis, having already taken part in a training camp with the team in 2024. He has signed a contract for the next two seasons.
Belgian cycling fans know his name well. Michiel Coppens is one of those riders who is constantly on the attack, always racing aggressively and willing to seize every opportunity. This season, after taking victory at the GP Vermac in March, he featured in the breakaway at the Bredene Koksijde Classic (66 km), La Flèche Brabançonne (111 km), the Heylen Vastgoed Heistse Pijl (70 km) and Stage 4 of the Baloise Belgium Tour, where he spent an impressive 173 km out in front.
An incredible return to the highest level
Michiel Coppens has therefore demonstrated throughout the season his ability to compete at the highest level. However, he suffered a serious crash a year ago (a fractured femur), which forced him to spend more than ten weeks in hospital. But gradually, Michiel managed to regain his form and go on to shine at the highest level. Throughout his rehabilitation, he was supported by his team, BEAT Cycling Club powered by Saxo, which has always believed in his potential.
The Cofidis team also closely followed his recovery and his impressive progress. The rider is not an unfamiliar figure within the team: he was a stagiaire in the summer of 2024 and raced for 12 days in the Cofidis jersey. Now a full member of the squad, he will be “an important part of the set-up”, according to Raphaël Jeune.
Since last April, several contract extensions have been announced. These include Clément Izquierdo, Sam Maisonobe, Valentin Ferron, Sylvain Moniquet on the men’s side, as well as Marion Borras and Malwina Mull on the women’s side. Michiel Coppens is therefore the first signing for next season, which illustrates the team’s desire to invest in youth and take a long-term approach.
They said
Michiel Coppens: "
Signing for a team like Cofidis is simply incredible. It's a dream come true. I truly believe it's the best place for me to continue developing as a rider. During my training placement, I had the chance to see how the team operates and I remember receiving such a warm welcome.
I'm a Classics rider, particularly passionate about the Flemish Classics, but above all I love the team aspect of cycling and giving everything for the collective. That's why I'm joining Cofidis: to support Milan Fretin in the sprints and contribute to the team's success. I know I've made the right choice, that I'll learn a great deal, and that I'll be able to express myself fully in these new colours.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone at Cofidis, especially Piet Daneels, Stijn Hermans, Bart Nonneman and Annemie Batjoens, who helped me get back to my best."
Raphaël Jeune, General Manager: "
We are very pleased to welcome Michiel to Cofidis for the next two seasons. He will be an important part of our set-up, particularly in the Classics. As a Belgian rider, Michiel knows all his national races inside out, as he recently showed at the Baloise Belgium Tour and in other events where he rode aggressively.
He is already familiar with the team, having previously been a stagiaire at Cofidis. He is someone who puts in a huge amount of work, as demonstrated by the way he came back after a serious crash. Michiel has returned to his best level, as he has shown throughout this season. It was time for him to step up to the next level, and we are delighted that he will be doing so with Cofidis."
